Generator’s Head of Programmes joins Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) Board

Head of Programmes at the North’s leading music development agency has been appointed to the board of an influential national performing arts organisation.

Thomas Bagnall is head of programmes at Generator, the Newcastle-headquartered agency that helps musical talent, creative entrepreneurs and industry professionals the tools, connections and platforms they need to grow and thrive. He has been appointed as a trustee board member for national charitable organisation Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA).

PiPA’s mission since inception ten years ago has been to build a performing arts industry where care and career can thrive together. Each year, PiPA supports around 2,000 parents and carers through its UK network of partner organisations – a testament to the growing movement for equity, inclusion, and care within the arts. PiPA enables and empowers parents, carers and employers to achieve sustainable change in attitudes and practices in order to attract, support and retain a more diverse and flexible workforce.

Thomas, a father to two young children, has worked in the North East’s creative sector for more than 20 years. He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the PiPA board and look forward to playing an active role in supporting its outstanding work, helping to safeguard its future, and contributing to its continued growth.

Thomas Bagnall said: “As a music professional and the father of two young children, I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by parents and carers working in the creative sector. As both a board member and employee of Generator, I am keen to help champion PiPA’s work across the music industry and encourage more music organisations to engage with, and support, PiPA’s mission, helping to create a more inclusive and sustainable sector for parents and carers working in the creative industries.”

The appointment comes as part of Generator’s fresh move to become a PiPA Pledge Partner and support the important work they do to champion parents and carers across the performing arts. They join the likes of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Northern Ballet and Black Lives in Music as PiPA Pledge Partners.

Generator CEO, Mick Ross added: “As the proud parent of two young children myself, and as a leader working across the music sector, I understand how vital it is to create a culture where people can build sustainable creative careers alongside family life.

“Supporting artists, freelancers and the teams across the wider music ecosystem means
building an industry that is more inclusive, compassionate and sustainable. By empowering everyone, from emerging talent to the professionals working behind the scenes, we can help shape a healthier, more diverse and resilient future for the sector.”

Thomas is joined by two additional new trustees to the PiPA board, with the organisation also announcing the appointment of Emma Armitage and Noriko Tsuzaki at the same time as Thomas. Emma is a producer and access consultant based in Dorset, and works across finance, operations and development for Disability Arts Online, a disabled-led National Portfolio Organisation.

Noriko Tsuzaki is a freelance orchestral violinist and teacher in Worcestershire, balancing that with her role of also being a carer. She’s involved in several musicians' union committees and consistently lobbies to improve the lives of working musicians.